Synthesis of vitamin D in skin after burns

Lancet. 2004 Jan 24;363(9405):291-2. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(03)15388-3.

Abstract

Severe burn injury is associated with vitamin D deficiency, low bone turnover, and abnormalities in calcium homoeostasis. Patients do not routinely receive vitamin D supplementation and sun exposure is currently not controlled. By analysis of skin biopsy samples for vitamin D3 precursors after exposure to ultraviolet B light we found that the conversion of 7-dehydrocholesterol to previtamin D3 was reduced in children a mean of 14 months after the burn. Low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations were also found. We conclude that vitamin D supplementation is necessary after burn injury.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Burns / complications
  • Burns / drug therapy
  • Burns / metabolism*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Cholecalciferol / analogs & derivatives*
  • Cholecalciferol / metabolism
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Skin / injuries*
  • Skin / metabolism*
  • Vitamin D / analogs & derivatives*
  • Vitamin D / biosynthesis*
  • Vitamin D / metabolism
  • Vitamin D / therapeutic use
  • Vitamin D Deficiency / prevention & control

Substances

  • Vitamin D
  • Cholecalciferol
  • 25-hydroxyvitamin D
  • previtamin D(3)